The winged bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus) is a tropical legume with a number of distinctive characteristics, including:
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AppearanceA perennial plant that is usually grown as an annual, the winged bean is a twining vine that can grow to be 10–13 ft tall. It has large, pale blue flowers, and its leaves can be ovate, deltoid, or lanceolate in shape. The winged bean’s most distinctive feature is its winged pods, which are rectangular in cross-section and have four wings with frilly edges. The pods can be cream, green, pink, or purple in color, and the flesh is partially translucent in young pods.
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TasteThe winged bean has a sweet, asparagus-like flavor and a crunchy texture. The entire plant is edible, including the leaves, flowers, stems, and tubers.
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NutritionThe winged bean is high in protein, with a protein content similar to soybeans. It also contains iron, which helps produce blood in the body.
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OriginThe winged bean is thought to have originated in Papua New Guinea, Madagascar, Mauritius, and India.
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Growing conditionsThe winged bean is heat and drought tolerant, making it suitable for a variety of gardens. It grows slowly in the early stages, so it requires special attention to weed control.
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